Rivera, on crutches following a knee injury in May of 2012, has told the Yankees he wants to return next season. / William Perlman, USA TODAY Sports

by USA TODAY

by USA TODAY

New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who tore a knee ligament in May, wants to pitch again next season, ESPNNewYork.com is reporting.

"He wants to play again," general manager Brian Cashman, who was informed by the reliever of his decision Friday, told the website. "I'll work with his agent, Fernando Cuza, on the details of a contract."

Rivera will turn 43 on Nov. 29. He had insisted he would return after suffering the injury in Kansas City. "Put it down," he said then. "Write it down in big letters. I ain't going down like this."

According to the website, Rivera made $15 million last season, but he pitched in only nine games. Rafael Soriano became the closer and was good on 42 of 46 save opportunities. Soriano has opted out of the last year of his contract but could still receive an offer from the Yankees.

Earlier this week Yankees President Randy Levine told CBSSports.com he was "not surprised" by Soriano's decision. "We really like Raffy," Levine told CBS Sports. "But [Soriano's agent] Scott Boras told the player he could get $60 million for four years. Let's see if he can do that. That would make it understandable why he would opt out. I wish Sori well."